Robert Edward Hughes

Robert E. Hughes (1939-2021) passed away unexpectedly on 7-28-21 at the age of 81. Robert was a 1957 graduate of Crosby High School in his hometown of Waterbury, CT. Robert served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Gordon GA, where he was trained as an electronics instructor, which led to a decades-long career in that field at AT&T Bell Labs in Columbus, OH, where he was honored by both management and peers. When early retirements were offered he chose to accept and spent many years pursuing a variety of artistic and humanitarian interests, including exploration of creative dance, music, and poetry. He served as a volunteer in a program for bereaved children, and then in one as a volunteer advocate at a rehab center/nursing home. He was also a member for several years of the church's cooking team for homeless people who were provided meals and housing at local shelters. He pursued various art forms at the local Cultural Arts Center, including jewelry-making, painting, and ceramics. Music was another interest and he obtained instruction in keyboard, guitar, and voice. Meanwhile he carried on his favorite athletic endeavor that had begun while still working, which was running. He completed 3 Columbus marathons, and ran many 5K's over two decades or more. Robert will be remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors as a kind, thoughtful, and generous man. Robert was pre-deceased by his son Mark. He is survived by his daughter Sherrie and his wife Carol, as well as adult grandsons Ryan Tipton and Bradley Hughes. He also grand-parented younger grandchildren Cameron Conroy, son of stepson Adam Conroy, and Jacob & Olivia Conroy, children of stepson Ryan Conroy. Great grandchildren Jace and Arya Tipton are the children of Ryan Tipton. A Celebration of Life service is being held on Saturday, May 21, at 3pm, at the First Unitarian-Universalist Church of Columbus, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, 43214. https://goo.gl/maps/53VWW1MaeMmiB9Vk8 The memorial service will be followed by a brief ash-scattering ceremony, then a social reception at the church, with opportunities for refreshments, exploration of the memorabilia displays, and photo collages of the many stages of Robert's full and rich life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations to Wounded Warriors. https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Robert Edward Hughes

November 22, 1939 - July 28, 2021